[ATM] Winter! Time for the next ultrathin project

[vorblesnak@peak.org]

Winter being the only time I can get away with sneaking off into the
garage for long periods of time.

I have acquired two large table tops.  One is a 36 inch by 5/8ths inch and
one is a 42 inch by 5/16ths inch.  The first problem is finding a kiln
large enough to slump these two.  Anyone got a loose 48 inch kiln tucked
away?

The diameter being what it is I am looking at f3 or less curves.  It was
good to see and read discussions on very short mirrors.  The 36 inch will
probably be a simple slump.  The 42 inch .. I am considering a rather
complex design there.  I am thinking about some sort of giant pie pan
shape.  The idea being to test a slumped thin surface with a
circuferencial support fused on.  This simplifies the mounting as the
optical surface hangs in space in the telescope.

I have the clay for the forms on order.  I will be playing with some
smaller disks alaong the way.  It should be a nasty project.

On the other side of the bench, I am working on a Hindle grinding machine.
 One a bit smaller than the last one I had, but large enough for a 16 inch
or so piece of glass.

David Davis
Toledo, OR 97391

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